David Beckham has hailed the spirit and close bond between members of the current England squad compared to when he first broke onto the international scene a decade ago.

The days when Manchester United and Liverpool players used to dine at different tables when on duty for their country are now a million miles away, according to the England skipper.

Beckham, who will lead England in Saturday's World Cup opener against Paraguay, said: 'You've got 23 players in this squad who actually do get on.

'We just don't come out and say it publicly because that's what people want to hear. We say it because that's the way it really is.

'In the past people have always talked about there being cliques or the situation with Liverpool and Manchester United players. When I first came into the squad, everyone talked about that.

'With this squad, even the young players are not afraid to come up and speak to the more experienced players or the bigger players and that's what has been great this time.

'The spirit is tremendous. Tomorrow before kick-off we will all shake hands and wish each other luck.

'It is different in Spain because we all kiss each other before we go out for the game. I actually nearly did that when I came off at Old Trafford at the weekend when Aaron Lennon was coming on!'

Beckham is desperate to bring glory to England in what is likely to be his last World Cup and the quality of his crosses and dead-ball delivery against Hungary and Jamaica suggests he could have a major part to play.

The 31-year-old said: 'I would give up everything on the personal side to win a trophy for the team but you always want to perform well and play well and score goals and set up goals. If I can do that, I'll be really happy.

'As for the quality of crosses, there are occasions where I don't feel quite as confident but at the moment I feel quite confident striking and crossing the ball.

'Of course, I want to be involved in other things and remembered for more than that but that is one of the biggest parts of my game. It always has been and hopefully always will be.

'Why has that quality come back? Maybe I have been playing better for Real Madrid this season than I have at other times and I ended the season well and I've come into the warm-up games and felt good, fit and fresh.

'I am always practising whether I am going through a good time or a bad time. I'll always practice but at this particular moment, things are working for me so hopefully that will continue.'

Beckham added: 'I'd like to think you would see the best of David Beckham in this tournament but you can never tell what is going to happen in football.